Teacher Charged with Sexual Abuse of Student

A special education teacher from Washington state has been charged with the sexual assault of a 10-year-old student at an elementary school, as revealed through court documents.

The Spokane Police Department has released a statement indicating that the principal was informed by the student’s family about allegations made by the child concerning inappropriate conduct with a female teacher.

The police expressed concern, stating, “We are further concerned for the safety of the community due to the planning involved in these sexual assaults.”

On February 12, police responded to a report regarding a child sex crime around 3:30 p.m.

Upon their arrival, they gathered statements and evidence that, according to a police release, prompted them to take the allegations seriously. The Special Victims Unit was then assigned to the investigation.

According to the police, investigators have been working diligently over the past month to gather more evidence and strengthen the case.

On March 12, officers arrested 32-year-old Mahaila Benavidez, charging her with first-degree rape of a child and first-degree child molestation.

Benavidez pleaded not guilty to the charges on March 17.

According to Washington law, first-degree rape of a child involves sexual intercourse with a person under the age of 12, where the perpetrator is at least 24 months older than the victim. First-degree child sexual abuse is when one individual causes sexual contact with a person under 12, with the perpetrator being 36 months older than the victim.

Her bail has been set at $500,000.

During interviews conducted by Spokane Police at Benavidez’s home in February, a cheek swab was taken, although she was reportedly hesitant to respond to the officers’ inquiries. Additionally, evidence collected from Stevens Elementary School included a bean bag chair that reportedly tested positive for bodily fluids.

Investigators found that the alleged abuse occurred almost daily—sometimes up to five times a day—and usually in a “time-out room,” but there were instances when it happened in classrooms with other students present. Benavidez allegedly coerced the minor to stay silent, warning of potential legal repercussions and job loss if the relationship was disclosed.

It was reported that she recorded explicit videos of the student and showed them in the classroom, and police have indicated that they discovered additional videos where Benavidez appeared to engage in sexual acts with students.

Prosecutors characterized Benavidez’s behavior as “extremely predatory,” noting the methodical nature of her actions heightened concerns for community safety.

Spokane Public Schools confirmed they acted promptly upon receiving the allegations, removing Benavidez from the school environment and alerting law enforcement.

The Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office has not yet responded to requests for comments concerning the incident.

Benavidez’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 11.